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Many pet owners are turning to CBD as a potential solution for their pets’ health concerns, such as anxiety, chronic pain, osteoarthritis and allergies. As veterinarians, it’s crucial to understand the safety profile of CBD and the potential side effects to prescribe CBD for your pet patients confidently.
Below we share the research on the safety and side effects of CBD, and an overview of its safety profile and the side effects to be aware when considering CBD for cats and dogs.
Research into the safety of CBD oil in dogs provides valuable insights.
In clinical trials where dogs were given CBD orally, the most common side effect was mild diarrhoea. Administering the oil with food can help reduce this risk.
A less common side effect is sedation (especially at higher doses). Generally, the side effects of CBD in dogs are within acceptable ranges.
Dogs have shown a high tolerance for CBD oil, even in relatively high doses.
A 2020 study indicated that CBD-predominant oil was safer and more tolerated in dogs than oils with higher concentrations of THC. Dogs are very sensitive to THC due to the very high number of CB1 receptors in their central nervous system, which is why a maximum of 2% THC is allowed in animal CBD products.
Another study published in Frontiers in 2022 demonstrated that long-term daily feeding of CBD is well-tolerated by healthy dogs.
Cats metabolise CBD differently from dogs and other animals.
The most common side effects observed in cats were head shaking and increased licking. Chomping and gagging may occur less frequently.
A 2021 study tested the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of CBD and THC in 20 healthy cats. Some gastrointestinal side effects were observed when MCT was the carrier oil. CBD Vets Australia offer different carrier oils to mitigate this.
A modest elevation of liver enzymes (primarily ALP and ALT) is sometimes seen in dogs and cats on CBD. While some research suggests CBD might affect liver enzyme status, other data suggest these changes are not clinically significant.
Side effects of CBD are reversible and dose-dependent. Adverse effects may be mitigated or avoided with a careful dosing schedule under your care. We recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it.
If you believe CBD oil may benefit your pet patients, it is essential to prescribe the appropriate type and strength of CBD oil and provide detailed dosing and administration instructions. Under your close supervision, CBD oil is usually safe for pets.
It’s important to warn your clients about the risks of black market products sold online without a prescription. These products are often not quality tested, meaning there is no guarantee they have been tested for their CBD content or for the presence of toxins. This puts pets at risk of ingesting contaminants like pesticides or solvents.
Moreover, some hemp seed products are labelled as CBD, which do not offer the same benefits.
There are also safety concerns to consider when giving dogs THC. Dogs are much more sensitive to the psychoactive effects of this compound than humans. Untested products with unknown levels of THC may put dogs at risk of serious adverse effects or worse.
Every animal is unique, and finding the right blend may require trial and error. It’s important to pay attention to changes in behaviour, appetite, pain levels, and overall well-being and conduct regular blood tests. CBD Vets Australia offers different blends and carrier oils.
In Australia, cannabis-derived products like CBD are Schedule 4 medications and are only legal for pets when prescribed by a veterinarian. At CBD Vets Australia all the products undergo quality testing and have Certificates of Analysis so you can be confident in the active ingredients and their safety.
The clinical team at CBD Vets Australia is well-versed in the correct doses, formulations, safety profiles, and potential side effects of CBD oil for pets.
Registering to prescribe with CBD Vets Australia gives you access to the Vet Portal, which contains training and educational resources, so you can feel confident prescribing evidence-based dosage regimes and monitoring for safety so that side effects are mitigated.
To learn more about CBD and whether it could improve your pet patients’ quality of life visit CBD Vets Australia or email info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
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